4 Steps to Train an Aggressive Dog

Dr. Mark is a veterinarian in Brazil. He also trains dogs, mostly large breeds, and those that suffer from aggression problems.

All aggressive dogs need to learn a safety word before being taken out for training. | Source

The majority of dogs I have seen suffering from aggression issues were poorly socialized during the sensitive socialization period, or, worse yet, they were not socialized at all.

I have seen many Rottweilers left inside until after 16 weeks of age because the owners were worried about their possible susceptibility to the Parvo virus. In recent years I have seen the same thing with Pitbulls, and in the region I live in some Fila Brasileiros are never let outside of their yards.

What is the only possible way that you can help these dogs? They need to get out and be exposed to new sights and sounds. The more they are taken out, the more likely they are able to get over their shyness and aggression. If you have chosen to work with an aggressive dog, however, there are some special precautions you need to take.

When walking him outside, around other pets or people, your dog should be muzzled if you cannot be 100% sure of your control. The muzzle needs to be secure but should be of the “basket” type to allow him to breathe comfortably.

Also make sure you always use two leashes when walking your dog. The second leash should be of the “slip” type, and even if you do not use it to control the dog it should be kept attached to your left wrist. The main leash should be held in the right hand at all times. If the main leash breaks, your dog will still be under control.

Take as much time training the dog in a confined area as is necessary. I am a fan of hand signalsand expect all dogs I work with to respond to both oral and visual cues; dogs should learn all basic commands like sit, down, stay, and come. All aggressive come 100% of the time before being taken for a walk.

It is also a good idea to spend some time teaching the aggressive dog a safety word before he is ever walked outside of a confined area. There are no guarantees when working with dogs, but if trained properly this word will give you the best chance of calling your dog when he is in an aggressive mode.

Things to do before walking an aggressive dog

Attach two leashes

Use a basket muzzle

Practice/review all obedience commands

Teach a safety word

Some dogs are never let out during the socialization period because they are accused of being aggressive. | Source

The safety word

What is a safety word?

A safety word is a special command that you can use when calling your dog. It is similar to the “come” command, but unlike that word it is rarely spoken during a normal session.

I use the safety word “touch”. When the dog hears this word and sees the hand command, he knows that he needs to come close to me and place his muzzle against my hand. I give the treat every single time, but only at that time.

If your dog responds to treats, the best way to teach a safety word is to say the command, give the hand signal, and give a treat every single time you call the dog with his safety word.

How was the safety word developed?

The first safety word that I am aware of was used when training seeing eye dogs for the blind. The word “touch” was given and the dog learned to place his muzzle against the blind person´s fingers. Even if the person could not see the dog when called, the touch allowed them to know exactly where the dog was at.

Using the safety word with an aggressive dog is different. When the dog is calm, he should be so accustomed to hearing the word that if he lunges, either at a person or another dog, the “touch” command should call him back and allow you to regain control.

This is the type of muzzle I use when working with an aggressive dog. It allows him to breathe normally during training, and after the dog has calmed down will even allow him to take treats for a more positive training experience.

Training the aggressive dog

Teaching and using the safety word.

When the aggressive dog is in his enclosed yard and going through his regular obedience training, start using the safety word. Every time you use the word, give him a special treat—do not give a treat erratically, like you would with most other commands.

Practice the safety word several times during the session, but always with the dog on a leash. The dog should never learn that it is okay to ignore this command.

When you take the dog out for his first socialization session, use the safety word even when you do not need it. (This is so that both of you will remember to use it.)

Is teaching a safety word enough to control an aggressive dog?

Not at all. All dogs, especially aggressive animals, need to be taught all basic obedience commands. As part of your obedience training, a safety word should be taught so that it is available in times of emergency.

Some puppies arent being aggressive at all--they just want to have fun! | Source

Even though it is not enough, training your aggressive dog to reply to safety word should be an important part of his total obedience training. If you obedience train your dog but are still not able to control him, please seek professional assistance.

If he ends up biting a person or attacking another dog, he may end up being killed by your local judge. Prevent that by teaching him a safety word.

Comments

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Eileen Hughes 13 months agofrom Northam Western Australia

Good tips although obedience training is a great help to both the owners and dogs. They will correct some of the handlers problems in the correct ways of training their dog. Voice commands need to be spoken correctly too, that way the dog learn more from the tone of your voice.

Snuggleme 3 years ago

Hello! Our apt. has changed rules... and we will need to re-home our female heeler. I've read most of these post and it scares me that it will be hard to rehome her as she has all the work qualities of a great heeler and would need an experienced handler. My heart is broken and scared as she glares into my eyes wanting to play and learn. Even if I find a responsible person who will take over; I worry. We invested into her but that doesn't even matter if I find someone who will love her and rehabilitate her to their life. PLEASE HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY OUTLETS.

Author

Dr Mark 3 years agofrom The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil

Ha! Exactly, I think it is always me that needs more training, not my dogs. I hope things go great with your Min Pin.

Mary Craig 3 years agofrom New York

I read your hub on hand signals but think this one is more helpful. I'm not sure who needs the training, him or me.

Author

Dr Mark 3 years agofrom The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil

Thanks, the touch command sounds perfect for him. I have a hub on training with hand signals, too, so if you want to spend some more time training him, so that he is easier to work with on a leash, you might want to look at that.

I hope things go well for you. Drop me another comment if I can be of any help.

Mary Craig 3 years agofrom New York

Great advice Dr. Mark. My Min Pin is normally laid back with any dog that comes to our house. Put him on a leash and he thinks he's a pitbull. The hair on his back stands up, he growls and pulls. Not a pretty site.

The only hand signal he's been taught is for "down" which he learned in puppy kindergarten. Raising your hand above your head you give the down command, he does it well. The instructor said she used that signal because if your dog runs away and/or is across the street, he can see your hand in the air.

I digress. I will certainly start trying 'touch'.

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Devika Primić 3 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

I enjoy reading more about dogs and have read a many on HP. Dogs are such amazing pets. Your advice is helpful.

Elizabeth Parker 3 years agofrom Las Vegas, NV

Great advice and I wish more people would take the time to train their dogs when necessary. It would prevent a lot of accidents, deaths and dogs from being euthanized due to their aggressiveness!

Author

Dr Mark 3 years agofrom The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil

Hi goatfury thanks for dropping by. Alexadry has great hubs on this site too, and there are some others by Shaddie, theophanes, Solaras, and Melissa Smith that you are sure to enjoy reading.

Andrew Smith 3 years agofrom Richmond, VA

Great stuff! I have foster dogs frequently at my house (we help rescue dogs as a part of a couple of different organizations). I appreciate the info.

Bob Bamberg 3 years agofrom Southeastern Massachusetts

We just finished a hot spell...a week of 90+ F and high humidity. Pretty uncomfortable, but I'll never complain. I'm just glad it's summer. Today was nice...mid 70's and sunny. I'd rather have the hazy, hot and humid weather all winter, too.

Author

Dr Mark 3 years agofrom The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil

Thanks for stopping by! Winter is still here though--it was down in the 60s this evening. Can't wait for those warm days around Christmas.

Bob Bamberg 3 years agofrom Southeastern Massachusetts

Very helpful info, Doc. I wasn't familiar with the safety word concept. I'll share that with dog owners I talk to while in the various pet supply stores I service.

I envy you guys as your winter comes to an end in the coming weeks and ours creeps in. Already seeing signs...squirrels' tails are starting to get bushy and the Pats opened the season today...with a loss to Miami. Can't wait for Memorial Day!